Harding Middle making memories

STEUBENVILLE -- Fourth-grade students are receiving a sneak peek of their upcoming school year at Harding Middle School during the Making Memories in the Middle event set for Friday. The annual event, which has been held for more than a decade, provides an opportunity for hundreds of prospective fifth-graders to become acquainted with what will be their new environment.

Guidance counselor Shay Greiner said about 220 students from Steubenville's elementary schools and STEM academies will visit Harding, with doors set to open at 4:30 p.m. Activities will commence between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. The afternoon will include fun learning experiences, according to officials.

"We do it every year and invite fourth-graders and their families for fun and games and a sense of community," Greiner said. "For them, jumping into middle school can bring anxiety. This allows them to explore the environment and meet teachers and current students."

Guests will enjoy performances by the school's band, choir and orchestra, and will receive a welcome by Principal Bryan Mills prior to setting off on their adventure.

Participants will enjoy a scavenger hunt, visiting classrooms where they will perform science experiments and learn about #STALLIONWAY through positive behavior interventions and supports. They will test their origami skills, learn about the school-based health clinic, play bingo, take selfies, challenge their gaming skills with Esports, learn about performance arts and enjoy marble rollercoasters.

"Some of the newest events include Drop Zone Heroes and their first middle-school art lesson that they can take home," Greiner said. "Plus, we're bringing back 'A Letter to Me,' where they write an encouraging letter to their fifth-grade selves and open them on their first day of school here." Making Memories in the Middle is the biggest of two bump-up activities taking place at Harding this year. The goal is to get students into the "Stallion spirit" as they gear up for their first day as middle-schoolers.

"The classes are only getting bigger and it's a great problem to have," Greiner continued. She added this is "a true community effort," as teachers and students donate their time decorating the building and volunteering on the night of the event.

"This could not happen without the staff and students," Greiner said. "It's heartwarming and everyone puts everything aside and dives into making memories."